Intraoral scanners: their benefits and disadvantages

An intraoral scanner is a state-of-the-art technology that allows dentists to create digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and mouth. But what are the benefits of using an intraoral 3d scanner over traditional impression methods? An do they have any disadvantages compared to the traditional way of making impressions? Here is a summary of the benefits and disadvantages that you should know before purchasing an intraoral scanner for your dental clinic.

Overview of the benefits:

  • Improved accuracy
  • Faster impressions
  • Increased efficiëncy
  • Comfort for patients
  • Sustainable

One of the biggest benefits of using an intraoral scanner is the improved accuracy of the digital impressions. Traditional impression methods can be prone to errors, leading to ill-fitting dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and Invisalign aligners. With an intraoral scanner, the digital impressions are much more precise, resulting in better fitting dental restorations and improved overall patient satisfaction.

Another benefit of intraoral scanners is the increased speed and efficiency of the impression-taking process. Traditional impression methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring the dentist to carefully mix and apply the impression material, wait for it to set, and then remove it from the patient’s mouth. With an intraoral scanner, the process is much quicker and easier. The scanner allows the dentist to take the digital impression in just a few minutes. This can save time for both the dentist and the patient, and can help to streamline the overall treatment process.

Intraoral scanners also offer a more comfortable experience for patients. Traditional impression methods can be uncomfortable and even painful for some patients, especially those with a strong gag reflex. With an intraoral scanner, the process is completely painless and non-invasive, making it a more pleasant experience for patients.

In addition to the benefits for dentists and patients, intraoral scanners can also help to improve the overall sustainability of dental practices. Traditional impression materials can be messy and difficult to dispose of. They often contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. With an intraoral scanner, there is no need for messy impression materials, making the process more eco-friendly.

 

Despite these potential benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to using intraoral scanners in a dental practice.

Disadvantages of the intraoral scanners:

  • Expensive investment
  • Limited acceptance by laboratories

One of the main challenges is the cost of the technology, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. This can be a significant investment for a dental practice, and may not be feasible for some smaller or less financially well-off practices.

Additionally, intraoral scanners are not yet as widely accepted by dental laboratories as traditional impressions. This means that dentists may have to spend more time coordinating with laboratories to ensure that their digital impressions are properly received and processed.

The decision to use this technology in a dental practice will depend on a variety of factors, including the cost, the level of proficiency of the staff, and the potential benefits for the practice and its patients.

Overall, intraoral scanners are a valuable technology for dentists, offering improved accuracy, increased efficiency, comfort for patients, and sustainability for dental practices. The presence of an intraoral scanner makes any dental clinic more sustainable and ready for the future.

 

Shop our selection of intraoral scanners here: https://all2md.com/product-category/dental/endo/intra-oral-scanners/

 

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